BURNHAM REJECTS SLAVERY REPARATIONS – PM rules out financial compensation as Commonwealth slavery debate continues
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has again ruled out financial reparations for Britain’s historic role in the transatlantic slave trade, as Commonwealth leaders gather in Antigua and Barbuda.
The issue has dominated discussions ahead of the summit, attended by representatives of 56 member states, many of them former British colonies. Burnham says Britain is instead offering structured dialogue with countries affected by slavery.
He says the UK will continue supporting Commonwealth nations through debt relief, green finance and cooperation on climate change, education and healthcare. King Charles has also expressed deep sorrow over the slave trade, but stopped short of issuing a formal apology.
Meanwhile, Burnham says he is working to remove trade barriers for British businesses ahead of a UK-EU summit scheduled for November 20.
